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From the colorful birds and burly bears of the Choco-Andino biosphere, to the rushing waters and lush forest of the Amazon and all the way to the sandy beaches and crystal clear waters of the Galapagos, Maquipucuna provides educational experiences and research opportunities to all ages.​​
LEARN ABOUT OUR WORLD
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Learn about conservation in action & ecological corridors
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Visit partnered communities in several ecozones including the Galápagos Islands.
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Learn about regenerative design & permaculture
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Learn about sustainable business & ecotourism
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Learn-serve programs
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Conduct research projects
We have close to thirty years of experience organizing travel logistics and academic support for successful, fun and life-changing, field-study and service learning programs in Ecuador, including Maquipucuna, the Chocó Andean Biosphere Reserve, the Amazon and the Galapagos Islands.
University students across the globe have the opportunity to partner with Maquipucuna in training and working with local communities on multidisciplinary projects to tackle deforestation and environmental degradation through scientific research and innovative sustainable economic alternatives such as ecotourism, specialty coffee, cacao and cottage industries.
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Among others, we have worked with the University of California system, the University of Georgia, Ithaca College, Duquesne University, Evergreen College, California State University, Oxford University, Wageningen University, etc.
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Our strength lies in allowing students to experience and partake in a multidisciplinary approach to tackle problem solving in a different cultural setting by facilitating an exchange of experiences between students and local communities throughout the Chocó Andino (Chocó Andean prospective Biosphere Reserve) and the Galápagos Islands.
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In particular, the Maquipucuna reserve is the perfect playground for inquisitive students interested in biology, ecology, conservation, community development, sustainable businesses, archaeology, etc. Our ecolodge and scientific station can easily accommodate large groups of students and research equipment. A projector, screen, and whiteboard are available at the lodge for classroom style presentations. Expert local guides can accompany the students to talk about wildlife and the history of the area. Students are free to explore the reserve. Students may conduct their own research projects following scientific protocols.
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CONTACT US FOR MORE DETAILS
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We're always discovering something new at Maquipucuna and we have diverse research interests.
We've conducted several flora and fauna surveys, examined animal nutrition, inspected soil composition, recorded the biology of our Andean Spectacled Bears, and explored different sustanible and organic farming practices.
We're always looking for passionate researchers to use Maquipucuna as a study site. The scientific station is ideal for visiting researchers and is fully equipped with bathrooms, a kitchenette, and an ideal work space.
For a full list of research publications, please visit Our Archive
Our environmental education programs are great for kids of all ages and young adults.
In our kids programs your children will learn about the cloud forest and the Maquipucuna reserve through inquiry based learning using games, activities, and experiments.
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Our programs aimed at University aged students and postgraduates are ideal for those looking at getting hands-on experience in fields of entomology, biology, natural history, ecotourism and more. These study abroad programs extend from one night up to three weeks. Our programs are also a valuable means of earning university credit.